Upper Lena Lake - 13.1 Miles Round-Trip

Upper Lena Lake is located 6.55 miles from the Hamma Hamma - Lena Lake Trailhead in Olympic National Park. A moderate trail winds north to Lena Lake (3.0 miles), then departs on a strenuous, minimally maintained trail across Park boundaries to Upper Lena Lake (6.55 miles).

The trail climbs steadily on long, winding switchbacks in a second growth forest. It gains 500' in the first mile, then moderates beneath new and old growth fir and cedar (1.5 miles : 1,440').

The trail reaches a scenic bridge spanning a dry creek bed where Lena Creek once passed (1.8 miles : 1,555'); it now runs through subterranean channels that reemerge a little way downstream.

The winding climb resumes to a second bridge (2.6 miles : 1,895'), and eases to the Lena Lake - Upper Lena Lake split (3.0 miles : 1,953').

Here the Upper Lena Lake Trail banks NW and steepens on a rugged path that climbs and drops to an unmarked fork above Lena Creek (3.5 miles : 2,003').

Bear left (the right fork simply provides creek access). Though minimally maintained, worn tracks and orange tree ribbons provide adequate guidance. The trail pitches up to the Olympic National Park Boundary (4.0 miles : 2,355'), then moderates briefly to a log bridge (4.8 miles : 2,667').

At 5.0 miles (2,818') the trail grows markedly steep and uneven, gaining 700' in the next half mile (5.5 miles : 3,512'). Expect slow progress and an all body effort. Challenging terrain eases briefly across the base of a small waterfall (5.85 miles : 3,925') and into a brushy subalpine meadow.

Thinning stands of silver and subalpine fir replace Douglas fir and cedar at these higher elevations. Travel steepens again to an unmarked fork that options around a blow down (6.2 miles : 4,245').

Both are very short, but neither are good. Push through and level across an avalanche hillside with arguably the best wildflower collection on the trail (6.35 miles : 4,450').

The trail reaches a welcome sign for Upper Lena Lake (6.5 miles : 4,550'), where social trails fork to campsites on either shore. Fittingly, travel around the basin to preferred sites and viewpoints is also steep and rugged, but minor compared to your effort reaching the lake.

Head left (clockwise) to the south shore, where two major coves and inlets provide open space and lake access. Marmot, bear, and mountain goat are common in this high country setting.

Worth Noting

The trail climbs 2,600'+ in 3.1 miles from the Upper Lena Lake Trail split. Travel to the split is generally mild and uneventful, an ideal stretch to make quick time in advance of more demanding sections ahead.

The Upper Lena Lake Trail is steep, rugged, and minimally maintained. Hiking poles and sturdy footwear are highly recommended. The trail is not recommended when snow covered.

The descent from Upper Lena Lake can take considerable effort. Plan travel time and resources accordingly.

There's a $5 registration fee per group, + $2 per person per night (children under 15 excluded). If you don't have access to a WIC, or plan to arrive early or late, call the WIC to arrange your permit ahead of time.

Quotas and Reservations are in effect May 1 - September 30 for Upper Lena Lake. 50% of sites can be reserved in advance; the other 50% is available first come, first served from the WIC during business hours up to 24 hours in advance. Self registration is not permitted during this time.

Camp only in established sites, which are located around the lake.

Food Storage: Bear canisters are not required, but are recommended.

Fires: Campfires are permitted up to 3,500'. Fires are not permitted at Upper Lena Lake.

Fishing Information

A Washington State Fishing License is not required to fish in Olympic National Park except when fishing in the Pacific Ocean from shore. No license is required to harvest surf smelt.

A Washington State catch record card is required to fish for salmon or steelhead and they must be accounted for as if caught in state waters. Fishing regulations are specific to site, species, and season. Contact the Park before setting out.

Recreational fishing in freshwater areas of Olympic National Park is restricted to artificial lures with single, barbless hooks (exceptions may apply).

The use of seines, traps, drugs, explosives, and nets (except to land a legally hooked fish or dip-net smelt) are prohibited.

Rules and Regulations

There's a $5 day use fee to park and recreate in the Olympic National Forest. Self registration and pay envelopes are available at the trailhead. There are several inter-agency passes (e.g. National Park Pass) that are accepted and waive the fee.

Dogs are permitted in the Olympic National Forest, but not within Olympic National Park. Dogs are not permitted at Upper Lena Lake.

Directions to Trailhead

The Lena Lake Trailhead is located 7.5 miles west of HWY 101 on Forest Service Road 25 (Hamma Hamma Road). FS 25 / Hamma Hamma Road is located approximately 14 miles north of Hoodsport, and 22 miles south of Quilcene.

From 101, turn west on FS 25 and follow the paved road to the trailhead. Note the road splits right at 6.1 miles.

Trip Reports

There are no trip reports on this trail.

Comments

"Before you attempt this hike, be sure to have a few easier ones under your belt. Also, evaluate your physical condition and the weather conditions when you reach Lower Lena Lake because you can easily turn around or set up camp there.
This hike has two very distinctively different sections. The first is about 3 miles of constant switchbacks that are moderate, wide, well maintained and well-traveled. That takes you to Lower Lena Lake, and took us 2 hours.
Just above the lookout over Lower Lena Lake, you will find the Upper Lena Lake junction. From there the terrain gradually gets more technical, narrower, and less well maintained. We sampled the thimbleberries and wild blueberries that grow along the trail as we passed by. There are several downed trees that require you to get creative about crossing. Some we went under, some we scaled, others we went around. There were a few very steep rocky sections. There was a gravel section that required trekking poles or being on all 4s to ascend. One section even required us to climb up an enormous root system. The difficulty of the 2nd leg goes from moderate, to hard, to is-this-really-the-trail before you finally reach your destination.
Five hours later we arrived at Upper Lena Lake. We had encountered freezing rain for the last 2 hours of our ascent. The sun had begun to go down and we then had a very difficult time finding a campsite that wasn’t either taken or flooded. This was because we could not determine where the trails were in the failing light. It was pitch black and still raining heavily when we finally pitched our tent. We were soaked to the bone but still happy we came. Going back outside to cook dinner wasn’t an appealing option. Luckily we had more than enough ready-to-eat food. We got our food and scented items into our bear canister and away from the tent, and sank into our sleeping bags.
The next morning we awoke to a beautiful sunny day. The view from our site was nothing short of amazing. The lake was beautiful, clear, and placid. It reflected the landscape and the blue cloud-dotted sky beautifully. The mountains surrounding the lake were mostly green with some snowy areas. Birds were chirping and fluttering around us. We could see tents and people at different points around the lake. Most everyone was packing up and heading back down by 11AM. We left at 1:30 and made it down Lower Lena Lake by 6:30PM. After a 30 minute rest stop, we walked the comparatively easy 2 hour trail back to the trailhead. We got to the car right at 9PM, just as the sun was going down.
Both going in and coming out took about 7.5 hours. I was carrying about 40 lbs, and would definitely find a way to lighten my pack before attempting it again. This hike really proved to be an awesome and unforgettable experience."
Sadeeq -
Olympia, WA -
Date Posted: July 11, 2016

"Wow Brandon! What was the snow like (and any other trail condition notes that would be good to know)? On a good day that's a tough trail, so yes, thank you for the early season help and intel!"
ProTrails Admin -
-
Date Posted: April 18, 2016

"We finally made it up to upper lena lake yours truly and my buddy collin made the trail for you"
brandon -
Washington -
Date Posted: April 18, 2016

"Challenging hike. Trail is minimally maintained, but not to the point of losing the trail. Many risky scrambles over slippery rock formations, logs, roots, etc. Heed the advice above about poles. Not sure we would have made it back safely without them. Also worth considering is temperature difference at 4500'. We prepared for mid 40 degrees at night, but turned out it was mid 20s. Beautiful lake and had it almost to ourselves this time of year."
Mike -
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Date Posted: September 24, 2015

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